“It’s a well-known fact that Telluride Ski Resort boasts some of the steepest, deepest and most diverse terrain of any ski resort in North America,” according to Olympian Gus Kenworthy, a Telluride local.

Stashed in the southwest corner of Colorado, 100 miles from the nearest stoplight, Telluride is home to more than 2,000 acres of lift-accessible terrain. Once dubbed “To-Hell-You-Ride” from its mining town days, Telluride is a modern European-style town and iconic Colorado destination ski area.

Averaging more than 300 inches of snow annually to match its 300 days of sunshine each year; Telluride is a Colorado bucket list classic.

The mountain’s terrain offers majestic views at its highest peaks for skiers and riders of all abilities, with in-bounds hike-to slopes located on Bald Mountain, the Gold Hill Chutes, Black Iron Bowl and Palmyra Peak.

The Plunge is a classic run that has breathtaking views of the town of Telluride and the surrounding peaks while descending 3,140 vertical feet. The resort is renowned for steep and deep trails while providing a large amount of acreage for intermediates and beginners.

Beginners should head over to the Sunshine Lift to enjoy meandering green and blue runs that are wide and generally less crowded.

On a Telluride powder today, Olympian and local Gus Kenworthy suggests you wake up super early and put your skis at the front of the line for first chair, then go back to sleep, grab a coffee or breakfast, and return to click in just before the lifts open. From there, take lift 8 from town to lift 9, then head over to lift 6.

Once the back bowls open, spend the day between Gold Hill and Prospect. Another good choice is to stick to the often-overlooked face of the mountain and get fresh tracks on lift 7. When you’ve worn yourself out, Kenworhty suggests stopping in for some chili in a bread bowl at the Saloon at Gorrono’s or taking it on down for après at Oak, right at the bottom of lift 8.